I would like to get into hobby metal working and precision maching, building small engines, replacement parts for the RV, restoring old clocks or sewing machines, etc.

I prefer to buy things used because it is cheaper, wastes less resources, and I don’t take the “driving it off the lot”-depreciation hit, should I ever want to sell again. However, when it comes to precision tools like calipers, micrometers, squares, etc. is that “safe”? I fear that the tool could be out of alignment or bent and I would have no way of knowing?

Originally posted 2009-04-12 20:28:23.